Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style.
Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings
is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a
qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being
technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent
broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big
financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually
adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to
keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band,
label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.

Prog. Rock. Metal. Walls of atmospheric vocals supporting a ceiling of throbbing drums, thumping bass and theatrical guitar. Such is sound, the fury of Zero Down's 2008 release "Dark Deceiver". Familiar with the band? You'll find comfort in this impressive and inspiring cd and take notice that "Dark Deceiver" is perhaps Zero Downs' most daring nine tracks in the past few years.

Lead singer, Chris Salinas is all over the map but not in a bad way...in a let me have you recall Tate, and others of the same ilk, versatility is my calling card technique and approach and you may just forget the rest. Joining Salinas is the powerful one two punch of brothers, Jasun Tipton - Guitars and Troy Tipton - Bass with Mike Guy - Drums. There is clearly some magic in the new potion.

New to Zero Down? Have no fear--if you subscribe to the Dream Theater, Queensryche school of music, Zero Down is a bit of a leap from what you're used to, but still containing a similar thread count so that it still fits at the end of the day. Notable tracks include "Inner Spirit", "Resurrection" and "Lies", however this is a rock solid release with enough profundity to keep you happy in the deep end. Dive in, the water is just fine.